MUSHROOM AS PREBIOTICS?

INSIGHT

The fungi can be good for gut health.

Onions, garlic, walnuts, and dark chocolate are well-known prebiotic foods; but now, researchers are adding another ingredient to the list. Mushrooms!

According to a study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, researchers fed lean mice white button mushrooms and discovered the fungus increased the presence of a good bacteria in the gut called Prevotella. This led to the conclusion that mushrooms act as prebiotics.

Although, researchers have yet to figure out which components in the mushrooms are responsible for the prebiotic effect. That said, prebiotics help good gut bacteria grow, which in turn can make probiotics (i.e. supplements or specific food sources) more effective.

THE BOTTOM LINE

White button mushrooms are a low-calorie ingredient that can keep the gut healthy. It can't hurt to add mushrooms along with other prebiotic foods on a regular basis--either raw or cooked--to attain the benefits.

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